How to find alternatives to Limewire Music

As a computer technician who has had to deal with this many times, Limewire music is much more dangerous than anyone will tell you. This "free" music service could end up costing you much more than you would have paid in music fees. You may disagree, but I have found this service, though not admittedly, will deposit spyware and malware on your computer. This may be what is causing it to slow down. I have found ill affects long after this music sharing software was removed. Here are ways to clean up Limewire, as well as some safer options for your web listening enjoyment.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• PC computer with an Internet connection (preferably high speed)
• Pen
• Paper
• Backup media
• Original computer disks
• Software (as needed)

1. If you already have Limewire on your home computer, please remove it:
   
   Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs and look for it on there. This will remove the software, but not necessarily the damage it has done.
2. If you had Limewire, run a spyware scan. If you notice your computer is not functioning up to speed or behaving erratically, consider reinstalling Windows. This is accomplished by backing up your data and wiping the hard drive of all data. You need your original Windows disk or a built-in reinstallation program. (Usually found on your Start menu).
3. Reformatting the hard drive is an effective way to rid your computer of what ails it. It should function at "like new" speeds by the time you are through. If not, repeat the process. See Resources below for more details and instructions.
4. If you have not downloaded Limewire and your computer is "up to speed," then you can start to enjoy all the web has to offer in music services.
   
   You may want to start with Walmart.com download service.
   At 79 cents for each download, it boasts one of the most inexpensive downloads on the Internet. You must use Microsoft Internet Explorer and Windows Media Player to access this service.
5. You will be walked through the process of installing a bit of software onto your computer so the service will function properly. You can also store information in their secure website. This enables your purchases to automatically go onto a credit card, gift card or music card for your convenience. You do not need a credit card to take advantage of this service.
6. If you don't even want to pay that, there are some more unique and frugal ways to get your music at a discount. There are music subscription services, such as Napster to Go (fully legal and paid) and Yahoo! Music. Both function basically the same. You must attach your device frequently to keep your licensing up to date for the songs on your MP3. You will pay monthly, yearly or every other year for these services.
   
   For Napster, you can get a card in the stores or on eBay to get discounted tracks and/or a subscription. If you have a subscription and wish to download/keep the song permanently, you will be offered a discounted rate. This is recommended for favorite songs.
7. Yahoo! Music is adequate, but may prove more difficult for novice users, as this site can have connection and network problems at times.
   
   Napster.com generally works without hiccups and seems to offer wider variety. If you can't decide, download one of the services for the free trial period (usually 7 to 14 days).
8. If this doesn't suit your needs, you can still get a discount by purchasing an itunes card in any store that sells them, at itunes.com or eBay. This way, you can also set a limit that fits within your budget. You do not need an ipod to download itunes. This service works with other players.
   Consult their website for complete details.
9. Inside Windows Media player (in the top-right corner on some players) they also offer other music services. In all, if you don't have a preloaded music card, you can expect to pay 79 to 99 cents per track. If it is an entire album you seek, those can be had at a discounted price.

Tips & Warnings

• Explore the Internet for new subscription services.
• Add a music card to your wish list. They are easy to obtain, even most grocery chains sell them.
• Backup and store all of the music you have purchased. (On a CD or removable drive)
• Explore the websites during their free trial. You may have to use them a bit to get comfortable with all their features.
• Yahoo! Music Jukebox is included with AT&T Internet Service
• It is recommended you have a high-speed Internet service; dial-up can take more than 90 minutes to download just one song.
• Follow the steps on the website below to guide you through this process if you have never done it. In addition, consult an expert or colleague who has experience with hard drive reformatting. It is not to be taken lightly.
• Back up your music purchases so you do not lose them if your computer should crash or you purchase a new one. You can do this by downloading them to a flash drive, external hard drive, another computer, or burning them to a CD or DVD. Some purchases are stored for 90 days, but then they are deleted from the music site.
• Do not download at work.
• Kids, always ask your parents permission before downloading or visiting any website.

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